BREAKING NEWS! JOHNNY NELSON JUST DESTROYED CONOR BENN AFTER HE QUIT CHRIS EUBANK JR FIGHT

In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the boxing world, Conor Benn has withdrawn from his highly anticipated “Fatal Fury” showdown against Chris Eubank Jr., scheduled for April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The announcement, made late on April 22, 2025, at 11:00 PM PDT, came just days before the fight, prompting a scathing reaction from former world champion and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson, who didn’t hold back in his criticism of Benn. Nelson branded Benn a “disgrace to the sport” and accused him of lacking the heart to face Eubank Jr., reigniting the fierce debate surrounding Benn’s career and reputation. Here’s the full breakdown of this dramatic development and the fallout that has ensued.

Conor Benn Pulls Out: The Fight That Never Was

Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) shocked fans and insiders alike when he announced his withdrawal from the grudge match against Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) on April 22, 2025, at 11:00 PM PDT, citing an unspecified “medical issue” as the reason for his exit. The fight, billed as “Fatal Fury,” was set to continue the legacy of their fathers’ iconic rivalry from the 1990s and had been steeped in drama since its initial cancellation in October 2022 due to Benn’s failed drug test for clomifene. After years of heated exchanges, including Eubank Jr. slapping Benn with an egg at a February 2025 press conference, the bout was finally rescheduled—only for Benn to pull out at the eleventh hour. [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 11]

The timing of Benn’s withdrawal has raised eyebrows, especially given the intense buildup to the fight. Just a day earlier, on April 21, Eubank Jr. had predicted that Benn would “pull out,” accusing him of crumbling under pressure, while Benn countered by claiming Eubank Jr. was the one refusing to fight. The situation was further complicated by Chris Eubank Sr.’s emotional meltdown on April 22, where he tearfully begged his son to reconsider the fight due to concerns over the 157-pound catchweight, which he deemed dangerous. While Eubank Sr.’s plea may have added pressure, Benn’s camp insists his withdrawal is solely due to health concerns, though no specific details have been provided. [Web ID: 7] [Web ID: 19]

Johnny Nelson Unleashes Fury: “A Disgrace to the Sport!”

Johnny Nelson, a former cruiserweight world champion and respected Sky Sports boxing analyst, wasted no time in slamming Benn for his decision to withdraw. In a fiery interview with Sky Sports Boxing on April 23, 2025, at 12:30 AM PDT, Nelson tore into the 28-year-old welterweight, calling his withdrawal “a disgrace to the sport” and questioning his mental fortitude. “Conor Benn has shown the world he doesn’t have the heart for this fight,” Nelson said. “He’s been talking a big game for years, but when push comes to shove, he quits. This isn’t the first time he’s let the sport down—first the drugs, now this. He’s a disgrace!” Nelson’s comments referenced Benn’s 2022 doping scandal, which had already cast a shadow over his career, and suggested that Benn’s withdrawal was a sign of weakness rather than a legitimate medical issue. [Web ID: 4] [Web ID: 6]

Nelson, who had previously warned in 2022 that the original fight should not go ahead due to Benn’s failed drug test, doubled down on his criticism, pointing to the emotional and financial toll on fans and fighters. “The undercard fighters, the fans who bought tickets, the broadcasters—everyone’s been let down by Conor Benn yet again,” he said. “He’s had two years to prepare for this moment, and he walks away? That’s not what a fighter does. He’s running scared of Eubank Jr., plain and simple.” Nelson’s remarks echo his earlier concerns about Benn’s reliability, as he had once predicted that Eubank Jr. would always have a psychological edge over Benn due to the latter’s emotional nature. [Web ID: 2] [Web ID: 6]

The Fallout: A Boxing Community in Shock

Benn’s withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with reactions pouring in on X and from key figures in the sport. Fans who had purchased tickets for the April 26 event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which was expected to draw a sold-out crowd of 62,000, expressed their frustration online. “Benn’s a coward—wasted my money and time!” one fan posted at 11:30 PM PDT on April 22. Others, however, showed concern for Benn’s health, with one user writing, “If he’s really injured, we should respect that—but he needs to prove it.” The uncertainty has left the event in limbo, with promoters yet to confirm whether it will be canceled or if a replacement opponent for Eubank Jr. will be found. [Web ID: 3]

Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, issued a brief statement at 11:45 PM PDT, defending his fighter: “Conor is devastated to withdraw due to a medical issue. We’ll provide more details soon, but right now, his health is the priority.” However, Hearn’s comments did little to quell the skepticism, especially given the history of tension between the two camps. Ben Shalom, Eubank Jr.’s promoter, told BBC Sport at 12:00 AM PDT on April 23, “We’re disappointed but not surprised. Conor’s been erratic from the start. We’ll explore all options to ensure the show goes on.” Eubank Jr. has not yet commented publicly, but sources close to him say he’s “furious” and feels vindicated after predicting Benn’s withdrawal. [Web ID: 19]

A History of Controversy: Benn’s Troubled Path

Benn’s withdrawal adds another chapter to an already controversial career. The 2022 fight with Eubank Jr. was canceled after Benn tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance that can boost testosterone levels. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) prohibited the bout, and Benn faced a provisional suspension, which was lifted in November 2024 after the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) ruled it was “not comfortably satisfied” he had committed a doping offense. Despite being cleared, the scandal has lingered, with many in the boxing community, including Eubank Jr., continuing to question Benn’s integrity. The egg incident in February 2025—where Eubank Jr. slapped Benn with an egg in reference to the WBC’s claim that “highly elevated consumption of eggs” might have caused the failed test—further fueled the animosity. [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 11]

Nelson’s harsh words also reflect a broader sentiment among some boxing purists who feel Benn has not done enough to rebuild his reputation since the doping scandal. His two fights since the suspension—unanimous decision wins over Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024—were against lesser opponents, and critics argue he has yet to prove himself against top-tier competition. Nelson’s accusation that Benn is “running scared” aligns with his earlier analysis that Benn’s emotional nature makes him vulnerable to Eubank Jr.’s mind games, a dynamic that may have played a role in Benn’s decision to withdraw. [Web ID: 11] [Web ID: 19]

What’s Next: The Future of the Rivalry

With the fight now off, the future of the Eubank Jr.-Benn rivalry remains uncertain. Promoters had teased a two-fight deal, with a potential rematch in October 2025, and the winner was rumored to be in line for a blockbuster clash with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Now, those plans are in jeopardy, and Eubank Jr.’s camp is reportedly exploring options for a replacement opponent to salvage the April 26 event. Names like Liam Smith, whom Eubank Jr. defeated in a rematch in September 2023, have been floated as potential short-notice replacements. [Web ID: 7]

For Benn, the withdrawal could have lasting repercussions. If his medical issue is not substantiated with clear evidence, the accusations of cowardice from Nelson and others may stick, further damaging his credibility. Even if the withdrawal is legitimate, the timing—combined with his doping history—has cast a shadow over his career, potentially alienating fans and promoters. Nelson’s comments may also pressure Benn to address the criticism head-on, possibly prompting a public response in the coming days.

Conclusion

Johnny Nelson’s blistering attack on Conor Benn following his withdrawal from the Chris Eubank Jr. fight on April 22, 2025, at 11:00 PM PDT, has added fuel to an already fiery rivalry. Labeling Benn a “disgrace to the sport” and accusing him of lacking heart, Nelson has voiced the frustration of many in the boxing community who feel let down by Benn’s last-minute exit. As the fallout continues, the boxing world is left grappling with unanswered questions: Is Benn’s withdrawal truly due to a medical issue, or did the pressure of facing Eubank Jr. prove too much? Whatever the truth, this latest chapter in the Eubank-Benn saga has ensured that the bad blood between these two families is far from over. Fans can only hope that one day, this generational clash will finally take place—but for now, the ring remains empty, and the controversy rages on.